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The same power that willed the universe into existence lives inside of each of us. God used simple words to create everything we see, so it may be wise for us to understand the weight of the words we speak. Join us as we learn how to keep our mouths clean of un-holy talk, and use our words for speaking life into those around us.
THIS YEARS THEME
God used words to create this planet, so be careful with them.
In a world that loves to speak its mind, it is so important as believers that we understand the weight of our words. We have the power to speak life into others, as well as speak death. God has been very clear about how we should use our words in several places in scripture, but the two we want to focus on is Ephesians 4:29 & Psalm 33:9 -
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Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
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Psalm 33:9 (NLT)
For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
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On the album "Heroes for Sale", Andy Mineo's lyrics on his song "Still Bleeding" gave the inspiration for this year's theme. While the song is describing a troubling and hurtful situation from Andy's past, the lyrics speak deeply about how the volatile use of words can't compare the the loving words from God that pushed him into spreading the Gospel through his music. Even though everyone may not have the giftings to create music people want to listen to, we all have the ability to speak life with our words on and off the field to everyone we meet.
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One of the easiest ways to set yourself apart from the world, is to not talk like the world, by making sure the words we use at home, at school, at work, or on game day, are building people up and pointing them to Jesus. It is so easy while playing sports to let your emotions get the best of you and act out in anger and frustration when things don't go your way. But the way we respond to striking out, missing a shot, dropping a pass, or any other mistake we make, can show people who we are, and more importantly, who we represent.
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This year, let's focus on being aware of not only our words, but the way we react to adversity on and off the field to show people that no matter the outcome, we serve the God that not only spoke the universe into existence, but stepped out of perfection to pay a debt He didn't owe just so we would have a chance to spend eternity with Him. Jesus gave His life for us, so we choose to live for Him.